Wait-A-While Rainforest Tours
Rainforest Wildlife Spotlighting Tour - 1 Day
The Wait-a-While Rainforest Tour takes you wildlife spotting by both day and night. Visiting the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics Rainforest National Parks from Cairns, we have been hosting small (max 11 people) personal rainforest wildlife spotlighting tours into the world's oldest continuously surviving rainforest near Cairns for more than 30 years. Cairns is a major tourist destination with thousands of visitors coming here each year to experience the Great Barrier Reef and yet relatively few discover the Cairns Tablelands (sometimes known as the Atherton Tablelands). The Tablelands are within easy reach of Cairns offering a shorter drive time than any Daintree rainforest tours and greater rainforest wildlife spotlighting opportunities. The best time of day to spot wildlife in Australia is at dusk through to nighttime so our tours depart in the early afternoon. As the rainforest comes alive at night (80% of animals in Australia are nocturnal or more active at night), our spotlights enable us to capture the animals up in the canopy. Experiencing the tropical rainforest at night is something you will remember, especially with an informative guide to help you understand this magnificent wildlife environment.
Highlights
Enjoy the scenic Gillies Range to the Cairns Tablelands Explore the Danbulla State Forest with 800 year old Cathedral Fig Tree Visit Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater lake nestled amoungst the rainforest Enjoy a walk through the rainforest to see the towering Twin Bull Kauri Pines Look out for Boyd's Forest Dragon, Musky Rat Kangaroo and rainforest birds Sample some rainforest fruits (depending on the season) Visit Lake Eacham, an extinct volcanic lake to look for Saw Shelled Turtles, Archerfish and Eastern Water Dragons Enjoy dinner at a country restaurant in Yungaburra After dark spotlighting rainforest walkItinerary
Your wildlife Tour starts in the southern suburbs of Cairns where a mob of Agile Wallaby’s lives within the city. Drive up the scenic Gillies Range to the Cairns Tablelands. Climbing up to 800 metres above sea level this is one of Australia’s windiest roads. Stop in the Danbulla State Forest to observe a fascinating 800-year-old, Cathedral Fig Tree with a giant root system. Afternoon tea at Lake Barrine, a volcanic crater lake nestled amongst rainforest followed by a walk through the rainforest to see the towering Twin Bull Kauri Pines. Look for wildlife such as the Boyd’s Forest Dragon, Musky Rat Kangaroo and rainforest birds and learn how the local aboriginal tribes use some of the plants and vegetation. Sample some rainforest fruits (depending on the season) Stop at Lake Eacham, an extinct volcanic lake to look for Saw Shelled Turtles, Archerfish and Eastern Water Dragons. Head to our private access viewing area to catch sight of an active breeding pair of Platypus. Enjoy dinner at a country restaurant in Yungaburra. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate provided (other drinks also available at your own expense). After dark and armed with a flashlight for our spotlighting, we then head back to the rainforest where the huge Curtain Fig Tree plays host to various species of nocturnal wildlife. Approximately 80% of Australian animals are nocturnal or active at night, so the rainforest is a hive of activity after dark. On clear nights, the minimal light pollution also allows star spotters to enjoy taking in the Southern Cross and Milky Way. The tour ends in Cairns at around 22:00 (23:00 for Northern Beaches) where you will be dropped off at your hotel or other accommodation.Includes
Meals: Afternoon Tea, dinner and refreshments Transport: Return transfers from accommodation with air conditioned vehicles Friendly and professional guides National park fees Fuel leviesRecently viewed
